Architects propose new vision for Victorian City Chambers

Senior reporter

Monday 14 January 2013

IT'S a "blue sky" idea where the grey skies of Scotland's largest city wouldn't matter.

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GERRY BRAIDEN

Following the unveiling of the six finalists for Glasgow's new George Square, a team of architects has proposed a redesign of the Victorian City Chambers to make it the focal point of the city's civic space.

The plans would see the historic quadrangle, which is used as a car park for councillors, covered and transformed into a new public space for civic events and receptions.The redesign of the courtyard would be based on the recent extension to the British Museum by Sir Norman Foster.It is estimated the scheme could cost £10 million, on top of the £15m being spent on George Square, but the team behind it believes it would pay for itself through increased tourist footfall and renting the space for events. The proposal would not change the fabric of the A-listed building but would see a new glazed roof lowered on to it.A longer-term proposal involves closing off the square outside the City Chambers and moving the Cenotaph to the opposite end of the square.The vision has been unveiled days before the winning design in the international competition to revamp the square is due to be announced. Council leader Gordon Matheson has met the architects and while he is understood to have look favourably on them, the council insists its priority is George Square itself.Paul Stallan, of Stallan-Brand architects, said the Chambers was "a truly magnificent building that is effectively closed to the general public" and that while there are tours at certain times, "the building could do so much more for the citizens of Glasgow". A city council spokesman said: "We're delighted this firm has taken an interest. However, it's not something we're planning on implementing."

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Architects propose new vision for Victorian City Chambers

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